From snow-blanketed mountains and evergreen forests dripping with rain to ocean beaches pounded by winter storm waves—there are many ways to experience the fall and winter seasons at Olympic. Although most areas of the park are open, some facilities and park roads are closed now for the season.
As always, visitors are urged to plan ahead, hike smart, pack the Ten Essentials, and have an emergency plan— even for a short day hike or snowshoe excursion. Consider learning CPR and basic wilderness first aid, especially if you are planning to hike, ski, or snowshoe in the backcountry. Leaving an accurate itinerary with an emergency contact is a critical step for any trip in the backcountry.
Hurricane Ridge
Winter season operations for Hurricane Ridge are set to begin this Friday, November 26. Weather permitting, Hurricane Ridge Road is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday through March 27, 2022(closed December 25, Christmas Day). In addition, the road is scheduled to be open December 26 through January 2and the holiday Mondays of January 17 and February 21.
The restrooms will be open inside the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, but the exhibits, film, warming area, and tables will remain closed. Be prepared to use your vehicle as a warming area and pack extra food, water, dry clothing, and blankets and/or sleeping bags in your vehicle.
Although close to Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge is subject to extreme winter conditions including sudden storms, white-outs, and avalanches, making planning and preparation for winter conditions essential. Weather conditions can change quickly and with little warning.
All vehicles, including four-wheel drive, are required to carry tire chains when travelling above the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station during the winter season.
Hurricane Ridge Road typically opens at 9:00 am, though times can vary. Depending on weather and road conditions, the road may open as early as 8:00 am, as late as noon, or not open at all. The road closes to uphill traffic at 4:00 pm and all vehicles must exit the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station by 5:00 pm.
Winter storms can close or delay the opening of the Hurricane Ridge Road; high winds and blizzard conditions are not uncommon.
Hurricane Ridge Road closes temporarily when the parking lot becomes completely full. Park staff urge visitors to park efficiently in order to maximize parking space.
Hurricane Ridge Mountain View Café, Gift Shop & Rental Shop
The concessioner-operated Mountain View Café, Gift Shop & Rental Shop on the lower level of the Visitor Center will be open for the 2021-2022 winter season Friday through Sunday beginning December 10 through March 27 (closed December 25). The Café, Gift Shop & Rental Shop is also scheduled to be open daily from December 26 through January 2 and the holiday Mondays of January 17 and February 21.
Foodservice will be take-out only (no dine-in option at this time).
Downhill Ski, Snowboard and Tubing Area
Weather and snow permitting, the Hurricane Ridge Ski, Snowboard and Tubing Area is scheduled to operate from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays beginning December 5 through March 27, 2022 (closed December 25, Christmas Day). The area is also scheduled to be open daily from December 26 through January 2 and the holiday Mondays of January 17 and February 21.
Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Opportunities for cross-country skiers and snowshoers range from open, level meadows near the visitor centre to extreme terrain in the wilderness backcountry. Anyone skiing or snowshoeing beyond the immediate Hurricane Ridge area should sign in at the registration box in the foyer of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and be prepared for steep terrain and the possibility of avalanches.
Olympic National Park Visitor Center
The Olympic National Park Visitor Center, at the base of Hurricane Ridge Road in Port Angeles, is currently open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The theatre and Discovery Room remain closed at this time. Restrooms are open daily and located outside of the main building. Staff are also available by phone or email to answer questions.
Pacific Coast
Kalaloch, Mora and Ozette—Olympic National Park’s road-accessible coastal destinations—are open weather and conditions permitting. Visitors should be aware of the high tides in the winter and any predicted storms. Storms can make beach hiking hazardous and even impossible due to large waves. Coastal streams that are normally easy to cross can be waist deep or deeper during storms.
Rain Forest
Throughout the winter season, rain falls frequently in the Hoh, Queets and Quinault Valleys, contributing to the yearly average of 140 inches of precipitation each year. The result is a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Mosses and ferns that blanket the surfaces add another dimension to the enchantment of the rain forest.
Due to a recent major storm event that caused flooding and road damage across the Olympic Peninsula, the Hoh Rain Forest is temporarily closed at the park boundary. This closure includes the Hoh Campground, Visitor Center, and area trailheads.
